Yellow Door Theatre Project will host its second annual Spring Talent Night on April 28.
The charity show will see local kids 18-years-old from around the Niagara region showcase a variety of talents including music, theatre, dance and acrobatics at the Redekopp Creative and Performing Arts Centre in Virgil.
Andorlie Hillstrom, artistic director at Yellow Door, said the event is about supporting young people to continue to pursue their interests in the arts.
The night will feature celebrity judges such and $1,500 in prizes will be awarded, including cash prizes and a scholarship of $450 to become a member of Yellow Door’s fall performance company.
“The (judges) will be very positive of course, because that’s what this is about,” said Hillstrom.
She said the company is seeking around 20 to 25 kids, and that limited spots will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
No audition is required to participate but all submissions must be received by April 22.
One teen who will showcase her talent at the show is 15-year-old singer Sydney Cornett, who has performed with Yellow Door for the last two years, on top of her numerous vocal accomplishments.
Some of her accomplishments include winning first place at the 2018 Elite International Music Competition held at Carnegie Hall in New York City; three Royal Conservatory of Music gold medals, receiving the top mark in Ontario; and being selected as a provincial representative for the 2018 NMTV Festival.
In total, Cornett has won more than 35 first-place wins in vocal competitions since she started competing in 2013.
Cornett’s mother Elisabeth said for a young performer, most of the time they get to be on stage is for competitions and they’re often not allowed to pick their own material.
That’s why Sydney said she “jumped on the chance” to perform in the talent show.
“It's just a chance to have fun doing what I love,” said Sydney.
Hillstrom said the night will also feature a silent auction, snacks and drinks to raise money for Yellow Door, which is a registered charity.
Judges include Guy Bannerman, Jacqueline Burtney, John-Luke Addison and Kyle Golemba.
Yellow Door’s fall performance company performs every December at the Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.
Last year the Theatre presented an adaptation of the Canadian classic novel Wind in the Willows.
Applications can be submitted at, yellowdoortheatre.com.
A video of Cornett singing in last year's talent show can be found below.
WHAT: Spring Talent Night Fundraiser
WHEN: April 28, 2018. 7 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Redekopp Creative and Performing Arts Centre, 504 Line Two Road, Virgil
COST: $10, $5 for children under 18, $20 per family of four.
